To: All New Mexicans
From: Progressives for Kerry
Re: Nader petition drive in New Mexico
Date: Friday, August 20, 2004

We are writing to you, all New Mexicans who share our progressive ideals,
urging you to reject the petition to put Ralph Nader on the ballot as an
Independent candidate for president.

In the past several decades, Ralph Nader has been a determined advocate
for consumers and a pioneer for progressive causes. Unfortunately, his
current presidential campaign has done little to advance progressive policies
and has instead been hijacked by ardent Republicans in an effort to re-elect
George W. Bush. Nader’s campaign has become a critical component of the
radical Republican right’s efforts to circumvent the electoral process
and keep Bush in office. In order to protect and advance progressive causes,
and to ensure that our electoral system is not manipulated, there are some
facts that all voters should know about Nader’s candidacy.

Nader’s campaign hired an out-of-state firm, JSM, which has deceptively
pitched for signatures, failing to inform New Mexicans about their true
purpose. The firm also has deep ties to Republicans and right-wing causes
and is being investigated for violating the law. Certainly, if a candidate
abides by the rules, he or she should be able to appear on the ballot.
However, some of the Nader campaign’s tactics in New Mexico and in other
states across the country bring its legitimacy into question.

Second, Republicans understand that George W. Bush has no accomplishments
to tout and no vision for the future. Thus, to succeed, they must continue
to defame John Kerry, attacking his lifetime of service to country, to
divide Democrats and progressives alike with wedge issues, and now to leverage
Nader’s candidacy to peel off enough independent and Green votes to thwart
a Kerry presidency.

John Kerry has been a champion for progressive causes. He has an unparalleled
record on protecting the environment, scoring a 96% approval rating from
the League of Conservation Voters. Kerry understands how America’s middle
class is getting squeezed – working harder, making less, and paying more
for health care and prescription drugs, child care, and college tuition.
Kerry knows that America can do better and he will take on the big HMOs
and pharmaceutical companies to stem the rising costs of health care, and
rein in corporate misconduct. He has a comprehensive energy policy that
will end America’s dependence on Middle East oil. Finally, he will continue
to fight to protect our freedoms, including a woman’s right to choose.

Attached are more facts about the Nader campaign’s petition drive --
facts that should give all New Mexicans pause before they support an effort
to spoil our hopes of ending the Bush presidency and winning America back
from the far right and big corporate interests. We urge you not to sign
any Nader petitions.